Greenworks success for Gibbs & Dandy customer

Published: 20 February, 2012

BIRMINGHAM: After a successful launch year, Gibbs & Dandy looks to grow the achievements of its Greenworks Training Academy in 2012.

Since the opening of the Academy, which specialises in the latest sustainable and renewable technologies, over 60 Gibbs & Dandy customers have received training and qualifications from the Birmingham-based facility.

Dedicated to providing expert, hands-on training and qualifications, Gibbs & Dandy customers have partaken in a vast array of courses, including the one-day MCS course, which has seen customers, such as Multicraft Electrical Services, go on to secure lucrative contracts for solar PV installations.

MD Properties is another success story, after completing MCS training at the Greenworks academy, the Huddersfield-based firm has already started work on solar PV and air source heat pump installations, worth thousands of pounds.

Speaking on the training centre’s success and outlook for 2012, Academy manager, Marcus Jefford said: “The success of Greenworks in 2011, has been driven by the impending Green Deal, as well as the challenging economic market, which has encouraged installers to diversify their business offering. Frequent Green Deal updates and the equally challenging outlook for this year’s economic climate will maintain the need for the Greenworks academy so installers can continue to develop the skills and knowledge required to take advantage of new opportunities in the sustainable building market.

“Our practical approach to training and learning, which includes four different roof rigs with differing tile surfaces, allowing installers to practice solar PV and thermal panel installation, as well as four large mobile walls, which are used to demonstrate and practice insulated rendering, has ensured repeat business and recommendations, as well as equipping trade professionals with the skills they will be using day-in-day-out.

“Plus, the support provided after the initial training to ensure that the knowledge and skills they’ve acquired are adopted into a successful business model, has been one of the standout features for the academy.

“We hope to build on this success for 2012 by continually updating our training in line with the latest legislative developments and creating an environment where installers can work with cutting edge technology, before it’s even entered the marketplace.”

The extensive facility can accommodate up to 40 delegates a day, and courses on offer include: introductory courses to renewable technologies such as UFH, External Wall Insulation, Solar PV and Rainwater Harvesting, BPEC and City & Guilds qualifications in sustainable technologies, as well as Energy Assessor courses and the popular MCS training.

In addition, an online learning gateway is available to Gibbs & Dandy customers from Greenworks. Providing over a 100 hours worth of 40-minute audio tutorials on renewable energy and sustainable building practices.

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